Les David
August 8, 1937  –  October 8, 2023
Proudly displaying the 2000 WPCA Judging Award (Inset) and driving at the Calgary Stampede in 1970
The World Professional Chuckwagon Association was saddened by the news that former chuckwagon driver, outrider and judge Les David had passed away after a lengthy illness on Sunday, October 8, 2023 at the age of 86 years.
A second generation chuckwagon competitor from the famous David family, Les started his chuckwagon career in 1957 as an outrider for his father Wilbur David and the W. David and Sons chuckwagon outfit. Soon after he began outriding for other drivers such as Jack Gill, Ivan Garby and Rufus Goodstriker among others.
After his father retired in 1961, Les took over the lines as the driver for the W. David and Sons chuckwagon outfit, with brothers Roy, Butch and Ron acting as outriders for the David outfit. Les competed at the Calgary Stampede for the first time in 1962. Over the next 10 years Les continued a successful run throughout the professional chuckwagon circuit, carrying the canvas’ of Lloyd Miller, Alyth Ranch, Ryan Bros., A.V. Miller, and his own name as well.
1971 would be the last year Les would compete at the Calgary Stampede and as a chuckwagon driver. Even with his competitive career over, the next four decades Les played an integral part of chuckwagon racing as a chuckwagon judge on the corners of the racetrack, as well as in the main judges booth. He also served as the judging director and head judge for the World Professional Chuckwagon Association for many years. In 2000, Les was honored with the WPCA Judging Award which is given to the member of the judging staff in recognition of his outstanding abilities and contributions to the judging team to ensure overall fair and efficient judging and racing as chosen by his peers.
Les is survived by Linda – his wife of 43 years, Raymond (Terri), Melissa (Mike), Tyler, Brooke, Samantha, Christie, Marne (Tim) and Tara (Steve), Dawn, Emilee, Aimee and Chaz. Brothers Ron David (Barb), and Larry David (Dianne), sister-in-law Pearl as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Les was predeceased by parents Wilbur and Mary David, brothers Pete David, Butch David and Roy David and sister Lorraine Ferrar as well as many beloved pets.
A memorial service will be held at David’s Arena (Highway 1 east of Calgary and turn north on range road 261) on November 18, 2023 at 2 pm.
Les will be missed by all in the WPCA, and we extend our sincere condolences to the David family.
Billy Melville
